Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for cell site inspection by a cell site operator using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and a processing device, the method comprising: utilizing the UAV to capture initial data of a cell site and surrounding geography; creating an initial computer model of the cell site and surrounding geography from the initial data, wherein the initial computer model represents a known good state of the cell site and the surrounding geography at a first point in time, and wherein the initial computer model is a three-dimensional (3D) model defined by an initial point cloud; utilizing the UAV to capture current data of the cell site and the surrounding geography; creating a current computer model of the cell site and surrounding geography from the current data, wherein the current computer model represents the condition of the cell site and surrounding geography at a second point in time after the first point in time, and wherein the current computer model is a 3D model defined by a second point cloud; comparing the second point cloud of the current computer model to the initial point cloud of the initial computer model by the processing device; and identifying variances between the second point cloud of the current computer model and the initial point cloud of the initial computer model by the processing device, wherein the variances comprise differences in the condition of the cell site and the surrounding geography between the first point in time and the second point in time.
This invention relates to automated cell site inspection using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and 3D modeling to detect changes in infrastructure and surrounding geography. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently monitoring cell sites for physical damage, environmental changes, or unauthorized modifications that could impact network performance. The method involves using a UAV to capture initial aerial data of a cell site and its surroundings, which is then processed to create a 3D computer model defined by a point cloud. This initial model represents the known good state of the site at a reference time. Later, the UAV captures updated data of the same area, which is processed into a second 3D model. A processing device compares the two point clouds to identify variances, such as structural damage, vegetation growth, or other changes that may have occurred between the two time points. This automated comparison allows operators to detect and assess potential issues without manual inspections, improving efficiency and accuracy in maintenance and monitoring.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: specifically describing the variances based on comparing the second point cloud of the current computer model and the initial point cloud of the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise any of changes to a cell tower, changes to cell site components on the cell tower, ground hazards, state of an access road, and landscape changes in the surrounding geography.
This invention relates to a method for analyzing variances between a current computer model and an initial computer model of a cell tower site. The method addresses the need to detect and document changes in cell tower infrastructure, surrounding geography, and access conditions over time. The process involves generating a second point cloud representing the current state of the cell tower site and comparing it to an initial point cloud representing the original state. The comparison identifies variances, which may include modifications to the cell tower structure, changes to cell site components such as antennas or equipment, ground hazards like debris or erosion, the condition of access roads, and landscape alterations in the surrounding area. These variances are specifically described based on the differences between the two point clouds, enabling site managers to assess structural integrity, operational readiness, and environmental impacts. The method supports maintenance planning, safety inspections, and regulatory compliance by providing detailed, spatially accurate documentation of site changes. The comparison process may involve automated or manual analysis to highlight critical differences that require attention.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the initial computer model is determined as part of one of a close-out audit and a site inspection where it is determined that the initial computer model represents the known good state.
This invention relates to the field of digital twin technology and asset management, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately capturing and maintaining a reliable digital representation of physical assets. The method involves creating and validating an initial computer model that represents the known good state of a physical asset, such as a building, infrastructure, or industrial equipment. This model serves as a baseline for future monitoring, maintenance, and decision-making. The initial computer model is generated during a close-out audit or site inspection, where the asset is thoroughly evaluated to ensure it is in a known good state. This involves verifying that the asset meets specified standards, is free of defects, and is fully operational. The model incorporates data from various sources, including design specifications, inspection reports, and sensor measurements, to create a comprehensive digital twin. This twin is then used for ongoing monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization. By establishing a verified baseline, the method ensures that any deviations or anomalies detected in the future can be accurately identified and addressed. This approach improves asset reliability, reduces downtime, and enhances operational efficiency. The invention is particularly useful in industries where maintaining accurate digital representations of physical assets is critical, such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure management.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein a flight plan of the UAV around a cell tower is based on a type of the cell tower comprising any of a self-support tower, a monopole tower, and a guyed tower.
A method for optimizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight paths around cell towers involves adjusting the flight plan based on the specific type of cell tower encountered. The system identifies the cell tower type, which may include a self-support tower, monopole tower, or guyed tower, and dynamically modifies the UAV's flight path accordingly. This ensures safe and efficient inspection or maintenance operations by accounting for structural differences, such as stability, height, and support mechanisms, which vary between tower types. The method may also incorporate additional factors like environmental conditions or regulatory constraints to further refine the flight path. By tailoring the UAV's trajectory to the tower's physical characteristics, the system enhances operational safety, reduces collision risks, and improves mission efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in telecommunications infrastructure management, where UAVs are deployed for inspections, repairs, or data collection tasks. The solution addresses challenges in navigating around diverse tower structures, ensuring adaptability and reliability in automated aerial operations.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the initial computer model is a three-dimensional (3D) model viewed in a Graphical User Interface, and wherein the method further comprises: creating a second 3D model based on the current data and utilizing the second 3D model if it is determined that the cell site is in the known good state based on the current data.
This invention relates to wireless network optimization, specifically improving the accuracy and efficiency of cell site performance analysis using 3D modeling. The problem addressed is the difficulty in assessing and optimizing cell site performance due to incomplete or inaccurate data, leading to suboptimal network configurations. The solution involves generating a 3D model of a cell site, which is displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) to visualize the site's physical and environmental characteristics. The method further includes analyzing current data from the cell site to determine if it is in a known good state, meaning it meets predefined performance criteria. If the site is confirmed to be in this state, a second 3D model is created based on the current data, incorporating real-time or updated information. This second model is then used for further analysis, planning, or optimization, ensuring that decisions are based on the most accurate and up-to-date representation of the cell site. The use of 3D modeling enhances visualization and allows for more precise adjustments to antenna configurations, site layouts, or other parameters to improve network performance. The invention aims to streamline the process of identifying and maintaining optimal cell site conditions, reducing manual effort and improving network reliability.
6. A processing device for cell site inspection by a cell site operator using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the processing device comprising: a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive initial data captured by the UAV of a cell site and surrounding geography; create an initial computer model from the initial data captured by the UAV, wherein the initial computer model represents a known good state of the cell site and the surrounding geography at a first point in time, and wherein the initial computer model is a three-dimensional (3D) model defined by an initial point cloud; receive current data captured by the UAV of the cell site and the surrounding geography; creating a current computer model from the current data captured by the UAV, wherein the current computer model represents the condition of the cell site and surrounding geography at a second point in time after the first point in time, and wherein the current computer model is a 3D model defined by a second point cloud; compare the second point cloud of the current computer model to the initial point cloud of the initial computer model; and identify variances between the second point cloud of the current computer model and the initial point cloud of the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise differences in the condition of the cell site and the surrounding geography between the first point in time and the second point in time.
This invention relates to a processing device for inspecting cell sites using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The system addresses the challenge of efficiently monitoring cell site conditions and detecting changes over time, which is critical for maintenance and operational reliability. The processing device includes a network interface, a processor, and memory storing instructions for capturing and analyzing data from UAV inspections. The device receives initial data from a UAV, which captures images or scans of a cell site and its surrounding geography. This data is used to create a 3D model, represented as a point cloud, that serves as a baseline "known good" state of the cell site at a specific time. Later, the device receives updated data from the UAV, which is processed into another 3D point cloud model representing the current state of the cell site. The system then compares the two point clouds to identify variances, such as structural changes, obstructions, or environmental modifications, between the initial and current states. This comparison helps operators detect issues like equipment damage, vegetation growth, or unauthorized modifications that could impact cell site performance. The solution automates inspection and change detection, reducing manual effort and improving maintenance efficiency.
7. The processing device of claim 6 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to specifically describe the variances based on comparing the second point cloud of the current computer model and the initial point cloud of the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise any of changes to a cell tower, changes to cell site components on the cell tower, ground hazards, state of an access road, and landscape changes in the surrounding geography.
This invention relates to a processing device for analyzing variances in computer models of geographic environments, particularly for monitoring changes in cellular infrastructure and surrounding terrain. The device includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to generate a second point cloud of a current computer model of a geographic area and compare it to an initial point cloud of an initial computer model of the same area. The comparison identifies variances between the two models, which may include changes to cell towers, modifications to cell site components on the tower, ground hazards, the condition of access roads, and landscape alterations in the surrounding geography. The device specifically describes these variances by analyzing the differences between the point clouds, enabling users to track infrastructure updates, environmental hazards, or other significant changes over time. This technology is useful for telecommunications maintenance, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure management, providing a detailed and automated way to detect and document changes in critical geographic features.
8. The processing device of claim 6 , wherein the initial computer model is determined as part of one of a close-out audit and a site inspection where it is determined that the initial computer model represents the known good state.
This invention relates to processing devices used in infrastructure or facility management, particularly for verifying and maintaining accurate digital representations of physical assets. The problem addressed is ensuring that computer models of physical structures or sites accurately reflect their real-world state, which is critical for maintenance, inspections, and compliance audits. The processing device generates and updates a digital twin—a virtual replica of a physical asset—by comparing it against a known good state. The known good state is established during a close-out audit or site inspection, where the initial computer model is verified to accurately represent the physical asset. The processing device then monitors the asset over time, detecting deviations from this baseline state. If discrepancies are found, the system can trigger alerts, updates, or corrective actions to ensure the digital twin remains accurate. The device may use sensors, imaging systems, or other data sources to gather real-time information about the asset’s condition. Machine learning or rule-based algorithms analyze this data to identify changes, such as structural wear, component failures, or unauthorized modifications. The system can also integrate with maintenance workflows, ensuring that any detected issues are addressed promptly. By maintaining an accurate digital twin, the invention improves decision-making, reduces operational risks, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. The approach is particularly useful in industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing, where precise asset tracking is essential.
9. The processing device of claim 6 , wherein a flight plan of the UAV around a cell tower is based on a type of the cell tower comprising any of a self-support tower, a monopole tower, and a guyed tower.
A system for inspecting cell towers using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a processing device that generates a flight plan for the UAV based on the type of cell tower being inspected. The flight plan is customized for different tower structures, such as self-support towers, monopole towers, and guyed towers, to ensure thorough inspection coverage. The processing device analyzes the tower type and adjusts the UAV's flight path accordingly, optimizing inspection efficiency and safety. The system may also include sensors on the UAV to capture inspection data, such as images or structural measurements, which are processed to assess the tower's condition. The flight plan may further account for environmental factors like wind or obstacles to avoid collisions and ensure accurate data collection. This approach improves inspection accuracy and reduces manual labor compared to traditional methods.
10. The processing device of claim 6 , wherein the initial computer model is a three-dimensional (3D) model viewed in a Graphical User Interface, and wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to create a second 3D model based on the current data and use the second 3D model if it is determined that the cell site is in the known good state based on the current data.
This invention relates to processing devices used in wireless network optimization, specifically for analyzing and validating the state of cell sites. The technology addresses the challenge of ensuring accurate and efficient assessment of cell site performance by leveraging 3D modeling and data-driven validation. The system involves a processing device that generates and displays a 3D model of a cell site within a graphical user interface. This model is used to visualize and analyze the site's configuration and performance metrics. The device collects current data related to the cell site, such as signal strength, coverage, or other operational parameters. Based on this data, the system determines whether the cell site is in a known good state, meaning it meets predefined performance criteria. If the cell site is confirmed to be in the known good state, the processing device creates a second 3D model derived from the current data. This second model serves as an updated representation of the cell site, incorporating the latest performance data. The system then uses this second model for further analysis, optimization, or troubleshooting, ensuring that decisions are based on the most recent and accurate information. This approach enhances the reliability and efficiency of wireless network management by providing dynamic, data-driven visualizations of cell site conditions.
11. A non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the steps of: receiving initial data captured by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) of a cell site and surrounding geography; creating an initial computer model of the cell site and surrounding geography from the data received by the UAV, wherein the initial computer model represents a known good state of the cell site and the surrounding geography at a first point in time, and wherein the initial computer model is a three-dimensional (3D) model defined by an initial point cloud; receiving current data captured by the UAV of the cell site and the surrounding geography; creating a current computer model of the cell site and surrounding geography from the current data, wherein the current computer model represents the condition of the cell site and surrounding geography at a second point in time after the first point in time, and wherein the current computer model is a 3D model defined by a second point cloud; comparing the second point cloud of the current computer model to the initial point cloud of the initial computer model; and identifying variances between the second point cloud of the current computer model and the initial point cloud of the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise differences in the condition of the cell site and the surrounding geography between the first point in time and the second point in time.
This invention relates to monitoring and analyzing changes in cell sites and surrounding geography using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The technology addresses the challenge of detecting physical alterations in cell site infrastructure and nearby terrain over time, which is critical for maintenance, security, and operational efficiency. The system captures initial data of a cell site and its surroundings using a UAV, then generates a 3D computer model of the area, represented as a point cloud, to establish a baseline "known good" state at a specific time. Later, the system captures updated data of the same area using the UAV and creates a second 3D model. By comparing the two point clouds, the system identifies variances between the initial and current states, revealing changes in the cell site or surrounding geography. These changes may include structural damage, unauthorized modifications, environmental shifts, or other alterations that could impact cell site performance or security. The comparison process highlights differences in physical conditions, enabling timely interventions. This approach automates monitoring, reducing the need for manual inspections and improving accuracy in detecting critical changes. The system is particularly useful for telecommunications providers and infrastructure managers to ensure the integrity and reliability of cell sites.
12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more processors to perform the step of: describing the variances based on a comparison between the second point cloud of the current computer model and the initial point cloud of the initial computer model, wherein the variances comprise any of changes to a cell tower, changes to cell site components positioned on the cell tower, newly recognized ground hazards, changes to the state of an access road, and changes to landscape in the surrounding geography.
This invention relates to a system for detecting and analyzing variances in telecommunication infrastructure and surrounding environments using point cloud data. The system addresses the challenge of monitoring changes in cell tower structures, associated components, and surrounding geography to ensure operational integrity and safety. The invention involves comparing a current point cloud of a computer model with an initial point cloud to identify variances. These variances include modifications to cell towers, changes to cell site components mounted on the towers, newly detected ground hazards, alterations in the condition of access roads, and landscape changes in the surrounding area. The system processes the point cloud data to generate a detailed comparison, enabling stakeholders to track infrastructure modifications, assess potential risks, and maintain accurate records of environmental and structural changes. By automating the detection of these variances, the system enhances efficiency in monitoring telecommunication assets and mitigates potential disruptions or safety hazards. The technology leverages point cloud data analysis to provide a comprehensive and automated solution for tracking changes in critical infrastructure and its surroundings.
13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more processors to create the initial computer model as part of one of a close-out audit or a site inspection where the initial computer model is determined to represent the known good state.
This invention relates to computer-aided inspection and auditing systems, specifically for creating and verifying digital representations of physical assets or environments. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately documenting and validating the condition of assets or sites during audits or inspections, ensuring that the recorded state is a reliable reference for future comparisons. The system involves generating an initial computer model of a physical asset or site during a close-out audit or site inspection. This model is established as a "known good state," meaning it represents the correct or desired condition of the asset or site at a specific point in time. The model serves as a baseline for future inspections, allowing deviations or changes to be detected and analyzed. The process may involve capturing data using sensors, cameras, or other measurement tools, then processing this data to construct a digital twin of the physical asset or site. The system ensures that the initial model is accurate and verifiable, providing a trusted reference for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. This approach improves efficiency in auditing and inspection workflows by automating the creation and validation of digital records, reducing human error, and enabling consistent tracking of asset conditions over time.
14. The non-transitory computer readable medium 11 , wherein a flight plan of the UAV around a cell tower is based on a type of the cell tower comprising any of a self-support tower, a monopole tower, and a guyed tower.
A system and method for optimizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight paths around cell towers involves generating a flight plan tailored to the specific type of cell tower being inspected or serviced. The system categorizes cell towers into distinct types, including self-support towers, monopole towers, and guyed towers, each requiring different flight paths due to variations in structural design and safety considerations. The flight plan is dynamically adjusted based on the identified tower type to ensure efficient navigation, collision avoidance, and optimal inspection coverage. The system may also incorporate additional factors such as tower height, environmental conditions, and regulatory constraints to further refine the flight path. By customizing the UAV's trajectory according to the tower type, the system enhances operational safety, reduces inspection time, and improves data accuracy for maintenance or repair tasks. The flight plan is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, allowing for retrieval and execution by the UAV's onboard control system. This approach ensures that UAV operations are conducted in a manner that aligns with the structural characteristics of the tower, minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.
15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: displaying the initial computer model as the 3D model in a Graphical User Interface; creating a second 3D model based on the current data; and utilizing the second 3D model if it is determined that the cell site is in the known good state based on the current data.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and managing cell sites using 3D modeling and data analysis. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and accurate assessment of cell site conditions to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The system involves generating and displaying a 3D model of a cell site based on initial data, which serves as a reference for monitoring the site's state. The system continuously collects current data from the cell site and creates a second 3D model based on this updated information. If the current data indicates that the cell site is in a known good state, the system utilizes the second 3D model for further analysis or decision-making. This approach allows for real-time assessment of the cell site's condition, enabling proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. The system leverages 3D visualization to provide an intuitive representation of the cell site's status, enhancing the ability to detect and address issues promptly. The use of dynamic modeling ensures that the system adapts to changing conditions, maintaining accurate and up-to-date assessments of the cell site's operational state.
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August 27, 2019
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